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Disney Parks Moms Panel | Reasons to Stay at A Disney Resort Hotel View the full article

Just a little mid-week update on Disney Night of Joy. We are pumped up at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, getting ready for the big event next weekend. We wanted to give you a sense of the concert schedule; so that folks planning on attending could plan their nights. And, of course, if you haven’t bought a ticket yet, there’s still time. We also wanted to make sure you knew about the other fun offerings at the event. To make sure we are preparing for any inclement weather, we are moving some events which were part of Fields of Joy last year, into the J Center as part of Fan Fest, which includes appearances by some of your favorite Night of Joy artists, Disney character meet-and-greets, video games and sporting activities. Here’s the schedule of entertainment (Times/Artists subject to change): Friday, September 8, 2017 CHAMPION STADIUM 6 p.m. – Danny Gokey 6:50 p.m. – Natalie Grant 8:15 p.m. – Zach Williams 9:30 p.m. – tobyMac 11:45 p.m. – MercyMe HP FIELDHOUSE 6:30 p.m. – Rend Collective 8:30 p.m. – Matt Maher 10:45 p.m. – Colton Dixon Saturday, September 9, 2017 CHAMPION STADIUM 6 p.m. – Jordan Feliz 8 p.m. – Kirk Franklin 10:15 p.m. – Steven Curtis Chapman 11:15 p.m. – Amy Grant HP FIELDHOUSE 6:30 p.m. – Tye Tribbett 8:30 p.m. – Jeremy Camp 10:45 p.m. – Crowder On September 8 and 9, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort will host Disney Night of Joy, two glorious evenings filled with gospel, hip-hop, pop, rock, praise and adult contemporary music from the industry’s top artists. Attendees can kick back, relax and enjoy an unforgettable experience sure to make spirits soar! Tickets are now on sale for Disney Night of Joy 2017, starting at $45 plus tax for single day concert tickets. Guest can check out nightofjoy.com or 407-W-DISNEY for tickets and information. Groups of 10 or more can click here or call 877-NITE-JOY to purchase group tickets and learn about group discounts and benefits. A little reminder about this year’s talent: (Entertainment subject to change.) Friday, September 8 – MercyMe, TobyMac, Natalie Grant, Zach Williams, Danny Gokey, Matt Maher, Colton Dixon, Rend Collective Saturday, September 9 – Amy Grant, Steven Curtis Chapman, Kirk Franklin, Jordan Feliz, Crowder, Jeremy Camp, Tye Tribbett. Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for updates on entertainment and events. View the full article

As readers of the Disney Parks Blog know, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort recently opened one of the most immersive resort hotels we’ve ever created – Disney Explorers Lodge. In addition to the amazing décor and guest amenities, the food and beverage offerings have guests in Hong Kong telling us their stay was unlike anything else they’ve experienced. So for all of you thirsty for adventure and hungry for discovery, I wanted to share a closer look at the three new eateries serving up more than 500 incredible dishes inside Disney Explorers Lodge, which celebrated its grand opening at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort in May. Legend has it that a stouthearted band of explorers founded this locale and each restaurant celebrates a culture experienced during their lifetime of travels. All of the restaurants share an innovative central kitchen design concept, showcasing the freshness of the ingredients and the skills of the chefs for all guests to see. Without further ado, here’s a culinary tour around the Lodge. Our first stop is Dragon Wind, a restaurant that relies on ancient knowledge to prepare rural and classical Provincial Chinese fare, with treasures from the explorers’ journeys on the Silk Road adorning the space. Honoring the art of Feng Shui, the kitchen has five stations to reflect the five elements: metal, wood, water, fire and earth. Try out the delicious dim sum meal here among the company of Disney friends in their exploration-themed costumes as part of a Character Buffet. Next on our tour is the World of Color Restaurant. This colorful eatery serves “world cuisine” with a taste of new and old worlds from across the Seas, Islands and Continents. You can even watch the food prepared fresh from the nearby open kitchen. The food is delicious (we highly recommend the Explorers Paella and Yuzu Crème Brulee) and incredible aromas from the nearby herb garden waft through the space, immersing you in the rich fragrance of lavender, rosemary and lemongrass. The last stop on our tour is the Chart Room Cafe, a perfect place to enjoy a continental breakfast, salads and sandwiches, or made-to-order pastas. The peaceful atmosphere plays host to eclectic artifacts from around the world, and if you look up you’ll notice the lighting fixture of constellations, which are used by explorers to find their way during long sea voyages. All three of these restaurants offer epic dining adventures, not to mention 30 signature beverages created exclusively for Disney Explorers Lodge. From traditional comfort foods to the new and exotic, there is something for everyone to enjoy during their stay. If sweets are more your style, there are also delicious options that can be found at the Lodge: “Dream” and “Explorer.” You can choose from options like the suitcase-shaped Traveler (Coffee Chocolate Cake) and binocular-shaped Explorer (Exotic Fruit Mousse Cake). Or try the local delicacy – a pineapple bun in the shape of Mickey. Let us know in the comments below what you’d like to try at the Lodge and what your favorite meal is across Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. View the full article

Today at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, in Hawai‘i, we celebrate our sixth anniversary! The photo above represents six magical years of cast members welcoming guests into the Aulani ‘ohana and helping to create family vacation memories. Happy Anniversary, or Hau‘oli la Ho‘omana‘o! View the full article

When Tina Fey and her family visited the Disneyland Resort recently, they checked out the new Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! attraction at Disney California Adventure park, where they also met up with the tallest Guardian, Groot! He was even overheard telling her, “I am Groot!” Tina has visited our parks many times over the years, experiencing many of our attractions, but there’s one favorite she and her family never miss – the Haunted Mansion! View the full article

Earlier today, we announced that the Walt Disney Company and ABC television station KTRK-TV in Houston will be donating $1 million to the American Red Cross to help people affected by Hurricane Harvey. Also, to benefit those impacted by the storm, Disney|ABC Television Group will be hosting a “Day of Giving” on August 31. A “Day of Giving” will begin on Thursday morning with ABC local affiliates and Good Morning America, and continue throughout the day on ABC, Freeform, Radio Disney. Across our social platforms, there will be a #DayofGiving call-to-action to donate to the American Red Cross, with those dollars going to benefit those most impacted. “Our hearts go out to everyone in the devastating path of this historic storm,” said Robert A. Iger, chairman and chief executive officer, The Walt Disney Company. “It’s hard to fully appreciate the impact, in part because it isn’t over yet. But we know thousands of people have lost everything and now face the daunting challenge of putting their lives and communities back together, and we’re using our unique resources and reach to help those in need.” Eligible Disney employee donations to the American Red Cross and other qualified organizations involved in the Hurricane Harvey relief effort will be matched dollar for dollar by Disney Employee Matching Gifts: A Program of The Walt Disney Company Foundation. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the people of Houston and the communities affected by the storm. View the full article

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party returned to Magic Kingdom Park on Friday night and to celebrate, 200 of our readers got into the Halloween spirit with the Disney Parks Blog team for a special opening-night meet-up. While our guests enjoyed everything that Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party had to offer: trick-or-treating, attractions, Mickey’s Boo-To-You Parade, and more, the Disney Parks Blog team was undergoing a ghostly transformation into our costumes as residents of the Haunted Mansion. We met-up at Tomorrowland Terrace for photos and indulged in the Happy HalloWishes Dessert Party, which was stocked with Halloween-themed treats, an ice cream station, a cupcake station and much more. The group later watched “Happy HalloWishes” fireworks, a must-do at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. For a full look at the event and to hear what Disney Parks Blog readers are loving about Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and the Happy HalloWishes Dessert Party this year, check out the video above. Just a tip – both Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and the Happy HalloWishes Dessert Party are extremely popular and event nights have been known to sell out. Get more information or tickets here. View the full article

Cheese, glorious PIMENTO Cheese! It’s time for the ultimate Disney food trend crawl: the Pimento Cheese Crawl! We’ve been seeing this creamy cheese pop up in about two zillion places as of late, and with good reason. Pimento Cheese BLT In case you’re not familiar with the “caviar of the South”, it’s basically creamy cheddar cheese mixed with mayo (or sour cream) and pimento pieces. There are some spices in there as well, and those can vary from chef to chef (or from grandma to grandma!). So if you’re like me, and you love all things Pimento Cheesy, THIS is the crawl for you! So, let’s begin. Pimento Cheese BLT First up, you’ll need to start your day at Animal Kingdom. Lucky for you, there’s a lot going on over there with the opening of Pandora — World of Avatar. So it’s the perfect time to hit that rope drop, work up an appetite on Avatar Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey, then make your way over to the Smiling Crocodile in Discovery Island. The Smiling Crocodile It’s at this small snack stand that you’ll order yourself a Pimento Cheese BLT. Pimento Cheese BLT Thick-cut bread and bacon, a generous schmear of pimento cheese spread, and fresh tomatoes: it’s a snack worthy of multiple napkins and two thumbs up! With that fuel in your belly, you’ll want to begin your journey to the next location: Disney Springs. Here you have lots — like LOTS — of Pimento Cheese Crawl options. (We hope you wore your stretchy pants.) Paddlefish First head over to the beautifully redesigned (from Fulton’s Crab House) Paddlefish, where you’ll order The Burger. This is topped with house-made pickles, red onion, and — of course! — pimento cheese. It’s juicy, salty, and awesome. You might wanna skip the sides (or get them in a doggy bag), because our next stop on the crawl isn’t very far away. Pimento Cheese Slider Planet Hollywood Observatory Make your way over to the recently revamped Planet Hollywood Observatory for the Pimento Grilled Cheese. We suggest, perhaps, moseying over and stopping in some shops along the way to make room for this heavy hitter. The Pimento Grilled Cheese is a triple-decker sandwich that includes not only pimento cheese but also macaroni and cheese. Believe that! AND there’s garlic-buttered sourdough. Pimento Grilled Cheese — Inside All truths told, this sandwich is one of the only reasons I would consider a trip back to Planet Hollywood Observatory, at this point (you can read my full review here). But it is, indeed, worth it. Homecomin’ Now that you’ve ventured very nearly to the West Side of Disney Springs, we want you to make your way over to The Landing, where you’ll check in at Homecomin': Florida Kitchen and Shine Bar for a couple of starters. Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ First up is the Jasper Board. This yummy sampler is presented with Smoked Sausage, Shaved Ham, Bread and Butter Pickles, Candied Pecans, Buttermilk Crackers, and a small glass full-to-overflowing with Pimento Cheese. Jasper Board with Pimento Cheese Along with the Jasper Board, order the Bunch of Puppies. These crunchy hushpuppies come with sides of pimento cheese and jalapeno jelly. Mix those two up for a new taste experience. Hush Puppies with Pimento Cheese We’ll leave you with a Choose Your Own Adventure for the final stop on your Pimento Cheese Crawl! You see, the Southern Classic Burger that’s served up at D-Luxe Burger in Disney Springs is another can’t-fail pimento cheese option. But the chef from D-Luxe is now leading the team over at the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater, and he’s introduced the Classic Southern Burger to that menu as well. So stay at the Springs or burn off some cheese by making your way to Disney Hollywood Studios: the choice is yours. Either way, you’ll love this burger with Fried Green Tomatoes, Bacon, and Pimento Cheese. Southern Classic Burger at D-Luxe Burger And just in case that’s not enough Pimento Cheese Love for you, there are STILL more options around property! At Epcot’s Coral Reef Restaurant, you can order a Grilled Pork Chop with Pimento Cheese. Boatwright’s at Port Orleans Riverside serves up Pimento Cheese Fritters (yum!), and the Riverside Mill at the same resort offers up a pimento-covered Baton Rouge Burger. Plus there are more Pimento Cheese finds at The BOATHOUSE and The Polite Pig back over at Disney Springs, where they have updated the Brisket Melt. The Polite Pig It’s now topped with — you guessed it! — Pimento Cheese instead of the original Beer Cheese Fondue, and it’s a super fun reason to try out this still-new space. Y’all, there ain’t no shame in lovin’ Pimento Cheese, and we are stoked that Disney World seems to be embracing it wholeheartedly. Don’t Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! The 2017 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, Second Edition, is now available! With more than 650 pages, the 2017 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, Second Edition is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 20+ years of visits. We’ve done the research for you, so you’ll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family’s needs! With sample dining itineraries, plus our “Disney Dining at a Glance” section, featuring “Where Can I Find?” options, you’ll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to get your copy of the 2017 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, Second Edition E-book — and use code SAVE2017 for a 20% discount for a limited time! Use code SAVE2017 at check-out for a 20% off the cover price! Have you tried a Disney Food Crawl? Let us know in the comments! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: Review: Turkey and Pimento Cheese BLTs in Disney’s Animal Kingdom The DFB Bi-Coastal Disney Grilled Cheese Crawl!!!!!! DFB Challenge: 2012 Walt Disney World Cheese Crawl View the full article

Are you ready for the largest gathering of Marvel Super Heroes at sea? Marvel Day at Sea features exclusive character interactions where you’ll have a chance to meet astounding Super Heroes and a very extraordinary Villain. Today, I’m thrilled to reveal that Black Widow and Hawkeye will also join this epic event. They are assembling with nearly a dozen others from the Marvel Universe, including Black Panther and Loki who will make their very first appearance as part of a Disney vacation experience. Since Black Panther and Loki will be joining us all the way from the remote Kingdom of Wakanda and faraway realm of Asgard, the opportunity to see these two icons is extra special. The event also marks the first official appearance of Iron Man, Star-Lord, Gamora and Groot on a Disney Cruise Line ship. Rounding out the roster of Marvel Super Heroes that will be onboard are Spider-Man, Captain America, Thor and Doctor Strange. Throughout this day long celebration, you will have the opportunity to see some of these legendary characters from the Marvel Universe up close and in person … If you’re booked on a Marvel Day at Sea cruise, you will be able to sign up for a designated time to meet Spider-Man, Iron Man and, for the first time, Black Panther during the sailing. In addition, you’ll have the chance for heroic encounters with Captain America, Thor, Black Widow, Hawkeye, Doctor Strange, Star-Lord, Gamora, Groot and Loki. Kids can train with some of their favorite Super Heroes in Marvel’s Avengers Academy. During the action-packed deck show spectacular, more than a dozen of your favorite Marvel Super Heroes will come together for an epic finale. Just some of your own heroic encounters may include sharing a salute with Captain America, joining forces with Black Widow, taking a selfie with Star-Lord, getting up close with Groot, coming face-to-face with Thor or catching Loki lurking around the ship. With all of these Super Heroes and a formidable Villain aboard, your adventure is sure to be epic! Stay tuned here, as we reveal more exciting details about our Marvel Day at Sea voyages, including how to pre-book select Super Hero encounters during this special day at sea. The event premieres on select 7- and 8-night Bahamian and Canada cruises from New York this fall, and returns on select 5-night Western Caribbean cruises from Miami in early 2018. To learn more, check out these previous posts about the incredible day at sea: Meet ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ Super Heroes on Marvel Day at Sea with Disney Cruise Line Seven Things You Won’t Want to Miss During Marvel Day at Sea Five Epic Experiences During Marvel Day at Sea Stan Lee Assembles Super Heroes for Marvel Day at Sea View the full article

Kicking off Aug. 31 and celebrating 35 years of Epcot with 35 delectable marketplaces, the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is bigger and better than ever, with sips and tastes throughout the park, celebrity chefs, culinary workshops, live music and special tasting experiences. Get ready – it’s 75 days, so you have until Nov. 13 to experience it all. To get started, make the Festival Center your first stop to pick up a schedule and a complimentary festival passport and check out options for navigating the festival. Here are some don’t-miss experiences opening weekend: The global marketplaces. There are 35 this year for sipping and tasting your way through Future World and World Showcase, and while some favorites are back, check out the five new additions: Active Eats (sweet avocado crema with strawberries, cake and tortilla streusel); The Almond Orchard (cauliflower risotto with pulled chicken, artichokes, spinach and Parmesan cheese); Coastal Eats (lump crab cake with slaw and avocado lemongrass cream); Flavors From Fire (smoked corned beef with crispy potatoes, pickled onions and Blonde Ale Beer fondue); the Light Lab with all sorts of spirited concoctions. You might consider a Tasting Sampler voucher ($65) for eight food or beverage items (some exclusions may apply). Plus you get a limited-release Epcot Food & Wine Festival trading pin. Celebrity sightings. Start your day Sunday, Sept. 3, with Chef Shaun O’Neale (winner of FOX TV’s “MasterChef”) first up for “What’s Cookin’ With . . .” held on select Friday and Sunday mornings in the Festival Center ($129). A cooking demo, breakfast and time for Q&A is all part of the fun. Look for returning favorites such as Alex Guarnaschelli, Buddy Valastro, Geoffrey Zakarian, Jamie Deen, Robert Irvine and more (schedule at epcotfoodfestival.com; reservations 407-939-3378). Live music every single night. There’s impromptu entertainment all around World Showcase Promenade, but each evening rocks out with the fantastic Eat to the Beat Concert Series on the outdoor stage at America Gardens Theatre three times nightly. First up: Delta Rae, a folk rock band from North Carolina, Aug. 31-Sept. 1 (“Bottom of the River”). Culinary demos. Every day in the Festival Center (2:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 12:15 and 2:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday) you can meet a chef and hear stories and tips while they create a dish that everyone gets to taste ($17). On a sunny afternoon, it’s a great respite from the Florida heat. Reservations recommended at epcotfoodfestival.com or by calling 407-939-3378. Mix It, Make It, Celebrate It! If you like a hand-ons experience, this is for you — chefs, bakers, mixologists and other pros show you the ropes ($49). Opening day, it’s Chef Emily Ellyn mixing up fun with Cask & Crew Whiskey, and you get to play bartender and mix your own cocktail. (Mondays through Thursdays, additional hosts and topics are at epcotfoodfestival.com.) Kids part of the equation? Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak returns, a fun way to play together in this culinary scavenger hunt that takes you all over World Showcase. And many of the global marketplaces are featuring dishes geared toward kids’ palates. Looking ahead, some of our favorite celeb chefs are coming up: Sept. 15, Stuart O’Keeffe; Sept. 17, Jet Tila; Sept. 29, Graham Elliott. And there are five Party for the Senses grand tasting events this year (Sept. 23, Oct. 7, Oct. 14, Oct. 21 and Nov. 11), an extravaganza of food, beverages and themed live entertainment. The festival runs through Nov. 13 – 75 days in all. Back to Basics series, Eat to the Beat concerts, cultural adventures, Festival Passport and all attractions and park entertainment are included with regular Epcot admission. Party for the Senses grand tasting events, signature dinners and other special wine and culinary programs require reservations and separate event admission. Guests can book some events at epcotfoodfestival.com and call 407-WDW-FEST (939-3378) for all others. View the full article

The Walt Disney Co. and KTRK, the ABC station it owns in Houston, are making a $1 million cash commitment to the American Red Cross to support recovery efforts in Texas communities affected by Hurricane Harvey. The support continues Thursday with a “Day of Giving” hosted by Disney|ABC Television... View the full article

Don’t worry about packing your bags for this trip around the world — the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival starts Aug. 31 and runs through Nov. 13. The 22nd extravaganza is 75 days, the longest in Epcot history. Theme-park admission starts at $99 for this foodie walkabout. Food and drink... View the full article

The rustic Roaring Fork at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is open again, one of those spots favored by vacationers looking for a creative, quick bite that’s above average. Located in the main building with patio seating near Copper Creek Springs pool area, it’s a convenient stop for breakfast, lunch or dinner, with spacious seating inside – or get your food to go and head outdoors as the weather cools. Breakfast is served 6-11 a.m., and while there’s plenty of grab n’ go options such as fresh fruit, pastries and sandwiches, the new Banana Foster’s French Toast and 10-hour Pulled Pork Cheese Grits with a poached egg are worthy of a leisurely start to the day. The popular Breakfast Flatbread returns, this one with sausage gravy, ham, eggs and Cheddar. For the first time, Roaring Fork is offering specialty beverages like the Gold Rush Latte (vanilla latte with caramel) previously featured in Territory Lounge, and now on the daily breakfast menu. Lunch and dinner is served from 11 a.m.-midnight, and the big winner on the new menu is Chef Michael Bersell’s Brisket Burger with cheddar, cranberry barbecue sauce, cast-iron onions and frisée served on a sweet brioche bun. Or try the Grilled Chicken on Focaccia with roasted peppers and fresh mozzarella. A Gourmet Grilled Cheese features cheddar, arugula, tomato and onion jam on multi-grain bread. Flatbreads are back with two new options: Fennel Sausage and Pepperoni with caramelized onion and goat cheese, or an Asiago Grilled Chicken topped with peppers and onions. Fans of the popular Wilderness Salad with chicken, walnuts, apples and cheddar will still find both in the grab ‘n go area – or they can be made to order. Roaring Fork is open daily. View the full article

The delicious bites available in the record 35 Marketplaces at the 22nd Epcot International Food & Wine Festival aren’t the only treats you’ll find at the park this fall! We’ve also got an exciting lineup of live entertainment planned. In addition to the “Eat to the Beat” Concert Series, featuring 11 new artists, you’ll also want to look for authentic performers throughout World Showcase, with some new acts and returning favorites. Suroît – New to Epcot, this renowned band hails from Canada’s Magdalen Islands in eastern Quebec. For four decades, their infectious sound has embraced influences from Cajun, Celtic, bluegrass and rock music. Join Suroît on the Mill Stage at the Canada pavilion, August 31 – October 1. Margret Almer & The Bavarian Band – World-famous yodeler Margret Almer makes an encore appearance at Epcot this fall. She’ll be performing with The Bavarian Band at the Germany pavilion, beginning August 31 and continuing through the holiday season. Musique Aramenco – Another returning favorite takes the stage at the Morocco pavilion September 1 – December 30. Musique Aramenco presents a fusion of traditional and modern Moroccan music. Bodh’aktan – Back by popular demand, Bodh’aktan mixes Quebecois, folk and polka to make fantastic rock and dance music. After rocking stages across Quebec, the United States and Europe, this incredibly popular, kilted band is returning for an Epcot encore at the Canada pavilion October 2 – 22. Raffy – This musical quartet makes their Epcot debut October 23 – November 26 on the Mill Stage. Raffy’s infectious energy has been embraced across Canada through a live tour, appearances on television and radio airplay of their first hit single. This fall, you’ll have lots of reasons to head out to World Showcase for all the singing, dancing, sipping and dining during the 22nd Epcot International Food & Wine Festival! View the full article

Week 2 Highlights | 30 Stays in 30 Days | Walt Disney World View the full article

We’re in high gear around here, anticipating the beginning of the Epcot Food and Wine Festival, which starts in a few days! No doubt we’ll be out and about at the Marketplace Booths lots of times. But sometimes, we like to play with our food! And one of the best ways I’ve found to do that is with a themed crawl. We have lots of fun crawl suggestions in our DFB Guide to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival E-book — save 20% with discount code Chefs! — including the Desserts Crawl, the Vegetarian Crawl, the Cheese Crawl, and more! Today, we’re going to take you one of our favorites — the “Just the New Stuff Crawl”! This tour of the booths is especially helpful if you are limited on time, and you’re only interested in seeking out the dishes that are new in 2017. “Just the New Stuff” Epcot Food and Wine Festival Crawl Sweet Avocado Crema — Active Eats Our first stop is the new Active Eats booth. While we’ve seen some of the booth’s other dishes before (the Loaded Mac ‘n’ Cheese with Nueske’s® Pepper Bacon, Cheddar Cheese, Peppers and Green Onions is a DFB Favorite), we’re after dessert on this mission. Stop by and try the Sweet Avocado Crema with Strawberries, Yellow Cake, and Tortilla Streusel. Sweet Avocado Crema with Strawberries, Yellow Cake, and Tortilla Streusel It’s a cool, refreshing, and contemporary take on a traditional trifle! Banana Almond Sundae — Almond Orchard But we’re not ready to leave the sweet stuff behind just yet. Next, we’ll head to Almond Orchard, another new booth in 2017, where all of the dishes feature Blue Diamond Almond Breeze Almond Milk. Once there, we’ll be enjoying the Banana Almond Soft-serve Sundae with Fresh Berries and Crunchy Chocolate Oats. The Banana Almond Soft Serve Sundae at Almond Orchard Booth We love this creative take on an frozen treat! (Be sure to check out the newly announced expanded Almond Orchard menu here!) Seared Scallops — Coastal Eats With so many new booths to try, it’s hard to decide where to go first. But for your next stop, we say that you should head to Coastal Eats, a celebration of seafood. Once you’re there, try the Seared Scallops with Roasted Corn and Butterbean Succotash and Chili-Chipotle Butter Sauce. Seared Scallops with Roasted Corn and Butterbean Succotash and Chili-Chipotle Butter Sauce Or if scallops aren’t your thing you have two other NEW dishes to choose from: a Lump Crab Cake with Napa Cabbage Slaw and Avocado Lemongrass Cream; or a Baked Shrimp Scampi Dip with Sourdough Baguette. Personally, I can’t wait to get my hands on that dip Smoked Corned Beef with Warm Crispy Potatoes — Flavors from Fire Flavors from Fire is another new and exciting stop on our tour of new dishes. And while we look forward to trying lots of things here, we definitely recommend the Smoked Corned Beef with Warm Crispy Potatoes, Pickled Onions, and Blonde Ale Beer Fondue. Flavors from Fire Smoked Corned Beef Because, BLONDE ALE BEER FONDUE, YOU GUYS. Basically on potato chips. Topped with BEEF. Let that sink in. Start Your Planning NOW! News! The DFB Guide to the 2017 Epcot Food & Wine Festival e-Book is now available to order! This 250+-page guide to the Festival offers insider tips and advice as well as all of the details you need to know to plan your best Festival visit ever. We cover every single World Showcase Booth, and include full-color photos for most of the food items being offered at this year’s festival! Your purchase includes several bonus items as well — including a full daily schedule of events at the Festival and a printable World Showcase Booth Menu Checklist to carry with you as you Eat around the World! Use code Chefs at check-out for a 20% discount! Be sure to stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for all of the latest coverage about the 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival. We’ll have the details FIRST! Pistachio Cardamom Bundt Cake with Chocolate Coconut Mousse — India Next, stop by India to try a fusion of flavors in their dessert offering, the Pistachio Cardamom Bundt Cake. Pistachio Cardamom Cake with Coconut Chocolate Mousse at the India Booth © Disney With Coconut and Chocolate taking this up a notch, we love the exotic combo of flavors at play. Warm Irish Cheddar Cheese and Stout Dip — Ireland But then, you’ll want to hightail it to Ireland. Actually, RUN. Don’t walk. Because…Warm Irish Cheddar Cheese and Stout Dip with Irish Brown Bread. Warm Irish Cheese and Stout Dip Again, it’s a glorious combo of beer and cheese. And it’s delicious. T=CC2: Vanilla Tonic Water and Cotton Candy — Light Lab Next, we’re sending you to Light Lab, where you’ll sample the T=CC2: Vanilla Tonic Water and Cotton Candy. This one is fun for grown ups and kids too, since it comes sans alcohol! T=CC2: Vanilla Tonic Water and Cotton Candy As an added bonus, everything here lights up, and it’s air conditioned. So. Yeah. Sweeeeet. Charcuterie in a Cone — Spain Head over to Spain for the next dish, as we try the Charcuterie in a Cone! It’s the perfect snack for strolling. Charcuterie in a Cone Enjoy it with a glass of Bodegas y Viñedos Artazu Garnacha Rosado, the perfect combo for a warm (ok, hot) Florida day. While we’ve given you a BUNCH of delicious guidance, there are lots more stops to the “Just the New Stuff” crawl! To see the full list, be sure to check out the DFB Guide to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival! Want More Epcot Food and Wine Festival Info? We’ll have all the coverage and information you need right here on Disney Food Blog! 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Index 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booth and Menu Index 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Special Events 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Low-Cost Seminars and Demonstrations 2017 Eat to the Beat Concert Schedule Epcot Food and Wine Festival Fans Facebook Page 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Wine and Dine Half Marathon 2017 Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic Food and Wine Festival 101 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Gluten Free Items How to Book Epcot Food & Wine Festival Events To book all special events and demonstrations, call 407-WDW-FEST (939-3378) starting July 20 at 7:00AM ET. Culinary Demonstrations and Beverage Seminars and general admission for some special events may be bookable online at www.epcotfoodfestival.com as well as by phone. Tables in Wonderland members, Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club Members, and Golden Oak Residents are eligible for a $2 discount (per person, per event) for beverage and seminars and culinary demos taking place Mon-Thurs during the festival. Members of these groups can also book all Special Events early on July 18th beginning at 9:00AM ET. Discounts are by phone only at 407-WDW-FEST (939-3378). Stay tuned to DisneyFoodBlog.com and the Disney Food Blog Newsletter for details. Chase Disney Visa Cardholders will not have early access to booking. OK! Now, I’ve GOTTA know — what new stuff are you most anxious to try at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival this year? Leave a comment and let us know! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: The 12 Things You MUST Eat at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival This Year New Video: Our Top Tips for the Epcot Food and Wine Festival! Don’t Miss These Five Booths at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival This Year! View the full article

There are so many to choose from, but why stay at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel when you visit? The Disney Parks Moms Panelists share their top reasons: Another great benefit for staying at a Walt Disney Resort Hotel is Magic Bands. It’s your park ticket, your room key, an easy way to pay for souvenirs or dinning, and so much more. Staying at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel also lets you take advantage of the Disney Dining Plan and Disney’s Magical Express. For more tips or to ask questions about planning your next Disney vacation be sure to visit DisneyParksMomsPanel.com for a personalized response from our knowledgeable panel. Think you would make a great Disney Parks Moms Panelist? Search for our 2018 Panelists starts at noon on September 6th! Learn more about how to apply at MomsPanelSearch.com. View the full article

We are counting down to the start of the 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival, which starts this year on August 31! As part of our on-going countdown, we’re making a list (and checking it twice!) of all the things we MUST eat this year, and we’re definitely including items from today’s featured booths: Thailand and Hawai’i! This year the Festival is celebrating Epcot’s 35th anniversary with 35 Marketplace Booths – featuring five new booths and some returning booths, including Thailand! Let’s check out what you’ll find on the menus at Thailand and Hawai’i… . Hawai’i The Kalua Pork Slider is a fan-favorite at the Hawai’i booth. New Marketplace Booth for Hawaii! Food: Kalua Pork Slider with Sweet and Sour DOLE® Pineapple Chutney and Spicy Mayonnaise Grilled Tuna Tataki with Seaweed Salad and Pickled Cucumbers and Wasabi Cream Teriyaki-glazed SPAM® Hash with Potatoes, Peppers and Onions and Spicy Mayonnaise Passion Fruit Cheesecake with Toasted Macadamia Nuts Beverages: Maui Brewing Company Bikini Blonde Lager Florida Orange Groves Sparkling Pineapple Wine Mai Tai featuring Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum If you can’t wait until the Festival starts, here’s a recipe for the Kalua Pork Sliders! Kalua Pork Slider with Sweet and Sour Dole Pineapple Chutney and Spicy Mayonnaise The Teriyaki-glazed SPAM® Hash with Potatoes, Peppers and Onions and Spicy Mayonnaise is one of our can’t-miss dishes! We loved this one at the Food and Wine Festival preview and can’t wait to try it again at the booths. Teriyaki-glazed SPAM® Hash with Potatoes, Peppers and Onions and Spicy Mayonnaise The Sparkling Pineapple Wine is refreshing on a hot Florida day! Sparkling Pineapple Wine And you can’t go wrong with the Mai Tai! Mai Tai featuring Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum Next up is Thailand – which is returning to the Festival this year after a hiatus! Start Your Planning NOW! News! The DFB Guide to the 2017 Epcot Food & Wine Festival e-Book is now available to order! This 250+-page guide to the Festival offers insider tips and advice as well as all of the details you need to know to plan your best Festival visit ever. We cover every single World Showcase Booth, and include full-color photos for most of the food items being offered at this year’s festival! Your purchase includes several bonus items as well — including a full daily schedule of events at the Festival and a printable World Showcase Booth Menu Checklist to carry with you as you Eat around the World! Use code Chefs at check-out for a 20% discount! Be sure to stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for all of the latest coverage about the 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival. We’ll have the details FIRST! Thailand We are so excited to see Thailand returning to this year’s Festival! NEW BOOTH for Thailand Food: Marinated Chicken with Peanut Sauce and Stir-fried Vegetables Seared Shrimp and Scallop Cake with Cold Noodle Salad Red Hot Spicy Thai Curry Beef with Steamed Rice Beverages: Helfrich Gewürztraminer, Alsace Singha Lager If you’re looking for spice, you’ll want to order the Red Hot Spicy Thai Curry Beef with Steamed Rice! It’s one of the dishes that you must eat at this year’s Festival! Red Hot Spicy Thai Curry Beef with Steamed Rice We can’t wait to try the other items on the menu at Thailand! Want More Epcot Food and Wine Festival Info? We’ll have all the coverage and information you need right here on Disney Food Blog! 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Index 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booth and Menu Index 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Special Events 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Low-Cost Seminars and Demonstrations 2017 Eat to the Beat Concert Schedule Epcot Food and Wine Festival Fans Facebook Page 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Wine and Dine Half Marathon 2017 Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic Food and Wine Festival 101 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Gluten Free Items How to Book Epcot Food & Wine Festival Events To book all special events and demonstrations, call 407-WDW-FEST (939-3378) starting July 20 at 7:00AM ET. Culinary Demonstrations and Beverage Seminars and general admission for some special events may be bookable online at www.epcotfoodfestival.com as well as by phone. Tables in Wonderland members, Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club Members, and Golden Oak Residents are eligible for a $2 discount (per person, per event) for beverage and seminars and culinary demos taking place Mon-Thurs during the festival. Members of these groups can also book all Special Events early on July 18th beginning at 9:00AM ET. Discounts are by phone only at 407-WDW-FEST (939-3378). Stay tuned to DisneyFoodBlog.com and the Disney Food Blog Newsletter for details. Chase Disney Visa Cardholders will not have early access to booking. What are you looking forward to eating at Hawai’i and Thailand? Let us know in the comments. Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booth Preview: Active Eats and Flavors from Fire Epcot Food and Wine Festival Portugal, Caribbean, and Hawaii Booth Menu Items Announced Sneak Peek: New Marketplace Booths Created for 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival View the full article

If you were a part of the making of one of Disney’s most popular films – “The Lion King” – how would you celebrate a re-release of the film on Blu-Ray and DVD? Voice Actor Ernie Sabella (Pumbba), Producer Don Hahn and Co-Director Ron Minkoff just did so by surprising guests at Disney’s Animal Kingdom during a performance of the “Festival of the Lion King.” Ernie was introduced before the show to give the audience a friendly “Hakuna Matata!” The group later raved about the show, loving the African cultural elements incorporated into the festival, which is something that was vital to them in the creation of the film. “Borrowing from so much great culture that exists in Africa, not only musically but visually, was something we certainly did for the film and to see it translated into a live show is terrific.” Ron said. “The Lion King: The Walt Disney Signature Collection” is now available on digital and arrives on Blu-Ray/DVD on August 29. For more on the group’s visit, check out the video above. View the full article

Walt Disney World continues to expand the uses for the My Disney Experience smartphone app and the list of restaurants accepting mobile ordering at the resort. A recent update to the app gives annual passholders the ability to renew their passes digitally. The app now can keep track of the Disney... View the full article

Hey Guys! In today’s DFB Video, we’re visiting some of our favorite Disney spots — the bars and lounges of Walt Disney World! Krakatoa Punch, a Signature Cocktail at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto Bars and Lounges at Disney World are more than just watering holes. We love them for a ton of reasons. From fantastic signature cocktails and amazing pub grub, to themeing that you have to see to believe, these stops are well worth your time. We’ll take you to some of our favorite in this video — including the over the top Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at Disney’s Polynesian Resort Village. Just click on the video below to watch! And if you love this episode, there’s plenty more for you to enjoy over on our DFB YouTube Channel! By the way, have you subscribed yet? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to the channel and never miss a single episode! So check out the video and then let us know: what’s your favorite Disney World bar or lounge? Leave a comment and share below! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: Top 10 Disney World Bars and Lounges New Video: Eat THIS at Disney’s World’s Animal Kingdom Lodge New DFB Video: Best Breakfasts in Walt Disney World View the full article

Runners, assemble! Get ready to celebrate your inner Super Hero with this year’s epic lineup of medals for the 2017 Super Heroes Half Marathon Weekend at the Disneyland Resort. Featuring nods to exciting characters such as Spider-Man, Thor and Black Widow, these medals are designed for Super Hero fans! Starting off the power-packed weekend, swing into the fun during the Spider-Man 5K. Runners will earn this medal featuring your friendly neighborhood Super Hero. Our tiniest of Super Heroes joining us for the runDisney Kids Races presented by GoGo squeeZ® will be earning this medallion featuring our friends from the “Guardians of the Galaxy” movies, Groot and Rocket! Those putting their Super Hero skills to the test during our Thor 10K and Avengers Super Heroes Half Marathon for the Infinity Gauntlet Challenge will be rewarded by way of these epic medals! Designs for this year’s 10K medal include fun ties to Thor, with a spinner that features a nod to both Thor and Loki. The Avengers Super Heroes Half Marathon medal debuts a new design featuring an icon of one of the Avengers with this year, featuring a nod to Black Widow. The Infinity Gauntlet Challenge medal returns for another year for those daring participants conquering 19.3 miles in two days. This year’s Infinity Stone is the Reality Stone which allows its wielder to alter existence itself, even in contradiction to known scientific laws. There’s still a chance to earn your Thor 10K, Avengers Super Heroes Half Marathon or Infinity Gauntlet Challenger medal here. Which race are you looking forward to participating in? Let us know using the hashtag #AvengersHalf on our social media channels! Twitter: @runDisney Instagram: @runDisney Facebook: @runDisney YouTube: @runDisney View the full article

We’re kicking off this week on the Disney Parks Blog with a shot of a beautiful sunrise here at Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. One of the many accommodation types at Disney Vacation Club’s newest resort are 26 unique waterfront Cascade Cabins. These two-bedroom, two-bath luxurious cabins sleep up to eight and feature a full kitchen, large dining room and living room spaces, a screened-in wraparound porch with a built-in hot tub and of course, special Disney touches throughout. Who’s ready to wake up to a view like this and stay at Copper Creek Villas & Cabins? View the full article

A picture is worth a thousand words, and chances are high that after your last Disney cruise you had a million things to say! A family vacation with us offers so many perfect photo opps, from meeting Disney characters to dancing at a lively deck party and having fun in the sun at Castaway Cay. Now, you can share your family’s favorite Disney Cruise Line memory for a chance to win a Disney cruise. Just head over to www.disneycruisememoriesatsea.com and upload a video or photos of your family’s Disney cruise vacation. Be sure to check out our video on the home page that offers tips on the best photos and video to submit. We want to see those memories that are sweet, funny or simply amazing! Each month from now through November, one lucky winner will receive a $500 Disney Gift Card. One grand prize winner will receive a three-night Bahamian Disney Cruise Line vacation for up to four people! Check out the Official Rules for complete prize details and restrictions. Good luck! View the full article

Miami Dolphins stars Jarvis Landry and Jay Ajayi are putting their acting skills on display as part of a Disney prank show that airs Saturday. “Walk the Prank: NFL Edition” on Disney XD premieres at 11 a.m. and is billed as “scripted comedy with over-the-top hidden camera pranks.” As part of it,... View the full article